La Fiesta celebrates decade

With only a couple of months left to roll in 2018 our schedule continues to be busy.
The last two months have been a whirlwind of activity finishing up our fourth annual Winter Wonderfest, celebrating Suffrage 125 with a wonderful dinner event showcasing local women and their achievements, then rolling straight into the inaugural 24 Hour Art Jam event.

Held over the weekend of October 13/14, "The Jam" promised much and delivered big time. With around 16 participating artists, and more than 300 visitors through the doors at Space Studio and Gallery, the weekend was filled with activity.

The Women's Network was fortunate to be the recipient of all funds raised through the Sunday evening art auction, thanks to the generosity of the artists, and to the incredible energy and talent of fellow organisers Neddal Ayad and Sarah Williams.

Our team utilised the auction to surprise Sarah with a special presentation of our very first Women's Network "Ultimate Super She-ro Award" honouring Sarah for her remarkable contributions to our fundraising over the last few years. The tally must be up around $10,000 now, with around $3000 coming from the activities held during the 24 Hour Art Jam. We are so fortunate to have this partnership and cannot thank Sarah enough for her initiative, belief in our cause, and unwavering dedication to our community.

For the rest of the year we'll continue running our regular activities and projects. Here's what's on offer on a weekly basis: Tuesday is bellydance day with Jill Hurley running a beginner and advanced class. Call in around 10am any Tuesday to have a chat with Jill if you're keen to join in the fun, or want to check out a class. Bellydance is excellent for core strength, confidence, and collegiality.

On Wednesday from 10am-midday the Yarnz Knitting Group meets for craft, a cuppa and a chat. If you're a keen knitter, a dab-hand at crochet, or would like to be, come on down and meet with the ladies. They are a friendly bunch, all from different walks of life, with loads of enthusiasm and warm welcomes on offer.

On alternative Thursdays the wonderfully skilled Maria Lawless holds the space with two sharing circles, one being the Red Tent and the other the Women's Wisdom Circle. Call in between 10am-midday to enjoy some safe sharing and wisdom in an uplifting space.
The first Friday of each month Jacqueline facilitates a gathering of the La Leche League to provide connection and support for breastfeeding mums, drop in from 10am-midday. Jacqueline is a mine of information and expertly skilled, and also co-ordinates the Community Drumming fortnightly on Friday evening from our premises in the iconic Ladies' Rest Building at 75 St Hill St.

The Women's Network provides a variety of other services to support women of all ages through times of challenge, change, transition and trauma. We also have a pretty flash stock of great pre-loved clothes in our giant dress up box for adults. Call in and see us during our drop in times: Tuesday 10am-midday, and Wednesday through Friday from 10am-2pm.

Appointments are available outside of these times if you need some dedicated time to chat through an issue, ask questions, or need some more intensive support. We also want to hear from folk who would like to contribute an activity or event to our La Fiesta festival programme, with expressions of interest open until November 23. La Fiesta celebrates its 10th birthday in 2019 and is set to roll from February 14 until March 10. So, if you have a cool idea or know someone who does, get in touch with us! La Fiesta really is New Zealand's coolest little festival celebrating women in our awesome Whanganui town.

Check out our website at lafiestanz.com to download an expression of interest form or email us more information at womnet.wang@callplus.net.nz